According to statistics, about 50% of people over the age of 50 suffer from hemorrhoids. Developing when the anus has become inflamed, hemorrhoids are often the result of severe cases of diarrhea or constipation. Although this may be an uncomfortable topic to discuss, you should never be embarrassed about being proactive about your gastrointestinal health. Here at our office in Greenbelt, MD, Dr. Sushil Rattan makes gastrointestinal care as easy and convenient as possible—read on to learn how he can help your hemorrhoid issue.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Also known as "piles," these painful, veiny lumps develop around the anus when too much pressure becomes placed on the pelvis and rectum during a bowel movement. External hemorrhoids are noticeable because you can feel them bulging in this sensitive area. If you become aware of blood or mucus in your stool after a trip to the restroom, these are the signs of internal hemorrhoids. Straining these muscles during a bowel movement, labor, or sitting uncomfortably for a prolonged period also causes these painful benign lumps.

Signs and Symptoms

• Itching
• Blood in stool
• Painful bowel movements
• Swelling tissue around the anal opening

Hemorrhoids are a genetic condition, so if your parents or other family members have them, you may be at an increased risk of development.

How Does a Doctor Treat Them?

At GI Med Health, Dr. Sushil Rattan, MD, MRCP may recommend several ways to treat your hemorrhoids, depending on how chronic your condition is. Home remedies to avoid occasional flare-ups usually include getting more exercise, increasing your fiber intake, applying topical ointments, and taking sitz baths. During an appointment with our Greenbelt, MD, office, we can discuss additional treatments if your hemorrhoids do not go away on their own.

Need Care? Give Us a Call

If these signs and symptoms sound familiar, Dr. Sushil Rattan, MD, MRCP of GI Med Health in Greenbelt, MD, can help you find relief. To learn more about hemorrhoids or any of our other gastroenterology services, visit our website. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call (301) 982-7900.